What are the main factors that influence a Control Tower Operator's salary?

The primary factors are: 1) Experience Level, 2) Geographic Location, 3) Education/Skills, 4) Company Size & Industry

What are the highest paying states for a Control Tower Operator?

Control Tower Operator salary varies significantly by state. The top 3 highest paying states for Control Tower Operator roles are District of Columbia $54,192, California $53,986, Massachusetts $53,267. These tech hubs typically pay 10-15% above the national average.

How much do different types of Control Tower Operator roles make?

Salaries for Control Tower Operator level roles vary by specialization: Pest Control Operator: $91,504; Control Operator: $80,795; Ballast Control Operator: $60,600; Solids Control Operator: $58,056; Network Control Operator: $54,890.

Control Tower Operator Salary in District of Columbia

How much does a Control Tower Operator make in District of Columbia?

As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Control Tower Operator in District of Columbia is $54,192 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.

However, a Control Tower Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

Top Earners (90th percentile): $67,389
Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $51,222 to $61,100
Entry-Level (10th percentile): $48,518

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Control Tower Operator Salaries by Percentile

	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
75th Percentile	$61,100	$5,092	$1,175	$29
Average	$54,192	$4,516	$1,042	$26
25th Percentile	$51,222	$4,269	$985	$25

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Key Factors That Influence Control Tower Operator Salaries

A Control Tower Operator's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do Control Tower Operator Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Control Tower Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

District of Columbia: $54,192.
California: $53,986.
Massachusetts: $53,267.

District of Columbia $54,192 California $53,986 Massachusetts $53,267 Washington $53,071 New Jersey $53,051 Alaska $52,983 Connecticut $52,307 New York $52,033

Hawaii $51,157 Rhode Island $50,746 Maryland $50,467 Minnesota $50,085 Colorado $49,938 Illinois $49,890 Oregon $49,704 Delaware $49,567

New Hampshire $49,480 Virginia $49,288 Pennsylvania $48,725 Nevada $48,441 North Dakota $48,348 Michigan $48,201 Wisconsin $48,147 Vermont $48,039

Texas $47,741 Maine $47,721 Arizona $47,692 Ohio $47,658 Georgia $47,207 Indiana $46,982 Wyoming $46,938 Utah $46,870

Iowa $46,840 Kansas $46,605 Louisiana $46,537 North Carolina $46,512 Missouri $46,503 Florida $46,312 Montana $46,209 Nebraska $46,111

Kentucky $46,057 South Carolina $45,861 Tennessee $45,739 Idaho $45,690 New Mexico $45,333 Oklahoma $45,254 Alabama $44,966 South Dakota $44,481

Arkansas $44,217 West Virginia $44,075 Mississippi $43,649

Top Paying Cities for Control Tower Operators

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

Parcel Return Service: $54,192
Washington: $54,192
Naval Anacost Annex: $54,192

Parcel Return Service, DC $54,192 Washington, DC $54,192 Naval Anacost Annex, DC $54,192 Washington Navy Yard, DC $54,192

Control Tower Operator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Control Tower Operator's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on January 01, 2026

$51,222

Average $54,192/year

$61,100

$4,269

Average $4,516/month

$5,092

$985

Average $1,042/week

$1,175

$25

Average $26/hour

$29

	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
75th Percentile	$61,100	$5,092	$1,175	$29
Average	$54,192	$4,516	$1,042	$26
25th Percentile	$51,222	$4,269	$985	$25

Salaries of jobs related to Control Tower Operator

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